Treaties, Federal Policies, and Law

Summary: This resource explores the complex, evolving, and often contentious legal and political relationship between Indigenous Nations (Tribal Governments) and the United States federal and state governments, with a specific focus on Treaties and the resulting Federal Indian Policy. It covers the fundamental concept of Indigenous sovereignty, the historical significance of treaties as nation-to-nation agreements, and how policies like removal, allotment, and termination have impacted Indigenous land, culture, and governance. The curriculum emphasizes the continued relevance of these legal structures in contemporary issues, particularly for the Nations within New York State, and centers on the Indigenous perspective regarding their inherent rights and political status.